This year, the voice of the Chirikli Roma Women’s Fund was also heard on the international stage as Kapitalina Kondur spoke about the critical challenges facing Roma communities in Ukraine.
Key challenges highlighted at the Forum
In her statement, Kapitalina Kondur emphasised that the
Roma community in Ukraine is facing severe hardships intensified by the ongoing war.
She noted:
“Limited access to water, electricity and waste collection — especially during wartime — worsens public health conditions, contributing to high rates of chronic and infectious diseases.
Restricted access to quality education and insufficient teaching of the Ukrainian language create barriers to the realisation of fundamental rights for Roma in Ukraine.”
These structural issues directly affect the well-being of Roma families and communities.
This is why the Fund continues to strengthen its efforts in
international advocacy, ensuring that Roma rights and needs remain visible in global human rights discussions.
Shared concerns and international perspectives
Speakers from different countries also raised issues of discrimination, difficulties in legal identification due to lack of documents, and limited access to essential public services.
While these challenges affect many vulnerable groups worldwide, their impact on Roma communities remains particularly severe.
Dignity, diversity and equality must remain the guiding values shaping policies and practices concerning national minorities.
These principles form the foundation of the work carried out by the Chirikli Fund, Roma partner organisations, and the wider international human rights community.
Partnership and gratitude
The Chiricli Fund extends sincere gratitude to
Minority Rights Group and the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN in Geneva for their long-standing support, cooperation, and shared commitment to advocacy.
Together, we can strengthen Roma communities in Ukraine and amplify their voices on the international stage.